Diamond Head Crater
Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 2.5 kilometres
Duration: 2 hours
From the beaches of Waikiki, the magnificent shadow of Diamond Head Crater looms in the distance, an extinct volcano with origins that date back over 300,000 years. Located in the National State Park, this walking trail is highly popular amongst tourists who hike up to the 560 feet summit for glorious views of Hanauma Bay and Koko Head. The path is perfect for beginners and people who consider themselves to be non-hikers and can be taken by people of all ages. The trail actually begins inside the centre of the crater and if you were to walk it from start to finish it would probably take about 30 minutes. However, if you’re like me and want to stop to take in the scenery, take a few hundred pictures and catch your breath, then realistically allow 1 to 2 hours for the entire journey.
Halawa Valley
Level: Intermediate
Distance: 5 kilometres
Duration: 4-5 hours
Halawa Valley is renowned for being the largest of four valleys in Molokai, and arguably one of the most sacred islands in Hawaii. As one of the first settling places by the Polynesians, the valley is an incredibly spiritual area with the iconic Moa’Lua Falls being your reward after the long hike. At over 250 feet high, the two-tiered waterfall is an idyllic swimming spot to wash off the warm, dampness of the rainforest air. If you don’t want to hop in the water, just sitting around the waterfall listening while it cascades down is a serene experience which seems ironic but trust me on this one. The walk itself is through a tropical paradise, exactly what you’d expect from a Hawaiian hike. There are two river crossings to pass, and more ancient temples and shrine remnants in one singular valley than there are anywhere else in the world. To take this hike, you’ll need to take a guided tour as some of the valley is on private land.
Kilauea Iki Trails
Level: Easy
Distance: 4.8 kilometres
Duration: 2-3 hours
How many times can you say you’ve hiked into a crater? If the answer is “Zero, but please convince me why I should”, then let me do just that. The crater rim walk of Kilauea Iki begins in a lush green rainforest, through thick shrub and fern you’ll make your way until you suddenly reach a clearing where a grey and barren land appears in front of you. On first glance, you’ll think you accidentally time travelled and ended up in the desert somewhere. But what you’re looking at is a dried up lava lake, with some rocks on the ground still hot to the touch.
Koko Crater Trail
Level: Intermediate to Hard
Distance: 2.3 kilometres
Duration: 1-2 hours
This trail may seem tame but it’s the steep incline of 1,050 steps that will really get your heart rate going! Koko Crater Trail became part of the Koko Head Regional Park in the late 1960’s but before that served as a bunker during World War II. The long-abandoned railway track that was once used to haul supplies and personnel to the summit is now a popular walking track for both adults and children. The track may look simple enough but there’s a steep incline that takes you to 1,208 feet above sea level once you reach the top. But of course, the hike is worth it as the panoramic views of Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head Crater are there to greet you as you reach the peak. The route upwards will take you about 30 minutes to an hour, so I’d recommend allowing at least 1-2.5 hours to complete the hike down. Take this trail before the sun rises and you’ll bear witness to sparkling views of Honolulu below.
Manoa Falls
Level: Easy
Distance: 2.6 kilometres
Duration: 1.5 hours
I’ll start by saying that this trail is incredibly accessible from Waikiki, which is one of the reasons why its so beloved by tourists as an easy hiking trail. While the prize of this walk is the 46 metre waterfall that cascades down prettily to a small pool below, you really can’t deny that the trail itself is its own prize purely based on its majestic scenery. If the photo I’ve added for this trail looks familiar, its because it probably does! Manoa Falls is home to some of the scenes from the TV show ‘Lost’ and the 1993 film Jurassic Park. Enjoy the relatively easy 45 minute walk through a bamboo forest, pausing to look at the exotic flora life, guava and eucalyptus trees that surround you. As the most rainiest area in all of Oahu, the area can get quite muddy so bring your best walking shoes and enjoy the luscious greenery and unspoilt landscape at Manoa Falls.
